black bears - | outdoor alabama · tracks and signs bear tracks are recognized easily by their...

NWCTP Species Information Black Bears

University of Nebraska‐Lincoln 1 Cornell University This material is copyrighted by Cornell University and the University of Nebraska‐Lincoln – Do not duplicate or distribute.

Black Bears

Overview

Habitat Modification

Sanitation, including bear‐proof containers,

removal or securing of bird feeders, and rapid

burial of dead livestock

Cultural Modifications

Ban bear feeding

Fence livestock, particularly during birthing;

remove carcasses

Locate camp sites in areas of low bear activity

Exclusion

Heavy woven‐wire or electric fences exclude

bears from apiaries, cabins, dumpsters, landfills,

and other high‐value properties

Store food in bear‐proof structures or on

elevated platforms

Frightening

Install night lights and human effigies

Blaring music, pyrotechnics, and guard dogs

may provide temporary relief from damage

Repellents

Capsaicin spray

Toxicants

None registered

Fumigants

None registered

Shooting

Black bears are a game animal in Alabama with

no open season. Contact your local Wildlife and

Freshwater Fisheries office to report a nuisance

bear.

Trapping

Culvert and barrel traps

Cable restraints

Other Methods

Chemical immobilization (permits required)

Avoiding HumanBear Conflicts

Be familiar with safety precautions when

camping or travelling in bear country. Never

feed bears.

Figure 1. Black bear (Ursus americanus). Photo by Scott E. Hygnstrom.



Objectives

1. Explain key elements about bear biology

important for their control.

2. Effectively communicate control options to

clients.

4. Describe how avoid bear damage.

5. Identify various risks involved with controlling bears.

Species Profile

Identification

Name

Black bear (Ursus americanus)

Description

Black bears are the only bear that naturally

occupy Alabama (Figure 1). They are also the

smallest and most widely distributed North

American bear. Two subspecies of black bears

occur in Alabama. They are massive, strongly

built animals. Black bears east of the Mississippi

are predominantly black, but in the Rocky

Mountains and westward various shades of

brown, cinnamon, and blond are common. The

head is moderately sized with a straight profile

and tapering nose. The ears are relatively small,

rounded, and erect. The tail is short (3 to 6

inches) and inconspicuous. Each foot has five

curved claws about 1 inch long that are non‐

retractable. Bears walk with a shuffling gait but

can be quite agile and quick when necessary.

They can run up to 35 miles per hour for short

distances. They are adept at climbing trees and

swimming.

It is important to be able to distinguish between

black bears and grizzly bears (also called brown

bears). Guard hairs of grizzlies have whitish or

silvery tips, giving it a frosted or “grizzly”

appearance. Grizzly bears have a pronounced

hump over the shoulder, a shortened, often

dished face, relatively small ears, and long claws

(Figure 2).

Figure 2. Distinctions between black and grizzly bears. Image by PCWD.

Size

Adult black bears typically weigh 100 to 400

pounds and measure from 4 to 6 feet long.

Some adult males attain weights of over 600

pounds.

Voice

Bears normally are silent when travelling. They

emit grunts with young and will blow and click

their teeth when upset. Louder and staggered

grunts are used by females to threaten

unwanted males. Moans are uttered when they

are fearful and in a subordinate role.

Tracks and Signs

Bear tracks are recognized easily by their shape

and size (Figure 3). The tracks are dimorphic

with the front foot rarely showing the heel.

Front feet average 4½ inches in length and 4

inches in width. Rear feet are 6 7/8 inches by

3½.



Black bear scat varies in color and consistency

due to their diet. Well‐formed scat averages 2½

inches in diameter and 5 to 12 inches long.

Figure 2. Black bear tracks. Image by Dee Ebbeka.

General Biology, Reproduction, and Behavior

Black bears are powerful animals that have few

natural enemies. They are remarkably tolerant

of humans. Interactions between people and

black bears are usually benign. When surprised

or protecting cubs, a black bear will threaten

the intruder by laying back its ears, uttering a

series of huffs, chopping its jaws, and stamping

its feet. This may be followed by a charge, but

in most instances it is only a bluff, as the bear

will advance only a few yards before stopping.

Few cases exist in which a black bear has

charged and attacked a human. Usually, people

are unaware that bears are in the vicinity. Most

bears avoid people, except individuals that have

learned to associate food with people. Food

conditioning occurs most often at garbage

dumps, campgrounds, and sites where people

regularly feed bears, which is illegal in most

states. Habituated, food‐conditioned bears pose

the greatest threat to humans. Wildlife

managers often say, “A fed bear is a dead bear.”

Reproduction

Black bears breed during the summer, usually in

late June or early July. Males travel extensively

in search of receptive females. Both sexes are

promiscuous. Fighting occurs between rival

males and between males and unreceptive

females. Dominant females may suppress

breeding activities of subordinate females. After

mating, the fertilized egg does not implant

immediately, but remains unattached in the

uterus until fall. Females in good condition

usually produce 2 or 3 cubs that weigh 7 to 12

ounces at birth; urban bears have litters of up

to 5 cubs. Females give birth between late

December and early February while they are

denning.

After giving birth, the sow may continue her

winter sleep while the cubs are awake and

nursing. Lactating females do not come into

estrus, so females generally breed only every

other year. Only the females care for young.

Males will kill and eat cubs if they have the

opportunity. Cubs are weaned in late summer

but usually remain close to the female

throughout their first year. This social unit

breaks up when the female comes into her next

estrus. After the breeding season, females and

their yearlings may travel together for a few

weeks. Black bears become sexually mature

about 3½ years of age, but some females may

not breed until their fourth year or later.

Seasonal Behavior

Black bears typically are nocturnal, although

occasionally they are active during the day. In

the South, black bears tend to be active year‐

round; in northern areas, black bears undergo a

period of semi‐hibernation during winter. Bears

spend this period of dormancy in dens (e.g.,



hollow logs, windfalls, brush piles, caves, and

holes dug into the ground). Bears in northern

areas may remain in their dens for 5 to 7

months, foregoing food, water, and elimination.

Species Range

Black bears historically ranged throughout most

of North America except for the desert

southwest and the treeless barrens of northern

Canada. They still occupy much of their original

range with the exception of the Great Plains,

the Midwestern states, and parts of the eastern

and southern coastal states (Figure 4). Black

bear and grizzly bear distributions overlap in the

Rocky Mountains, Western Canada, and Alaska.

Figure 4. Range of the black bear in North America. Image by Stephen M. Vantassel.

In North America, densities of black bear range

from 0.3 to 3.4 bears per square mile . Densities

are highest in the Pacific Northwest because of

the high diversity of habitats and long foraging

season. The home range of black bears is

dependent on the type and quality of the

habitat and the sex and age of the bear. In

mountainous regions bears encounter a variety

of habitats by moving up or down in elevation.

Where the terrain is flatter bears typically range

more widely in search of food, water, cover,

and space. Most adult females have well‐

defined home ranges that vary from 6 to 19

square miles. Ranges of adult males usually are

several times larger.

Habitat

Black bears frequent heavily forested areas,

including large swamps and mountainous

regions. Mixed hardwood forests interspersed

with streams and swamps are typical habitats.

Highest population growth rates are achieved in

eastern deciduous forests where an abundance

and variety of foods exist. Black bears also can

forage in urban areas. Black bears depend on

forests for their food, water, cover, and space.

Denning Cover

Dens for hibernating bears are quite variable

throughout their range. Sites include rock piles,

excavations, hollow trees, brush piles, and even

human structures. Sometimes dens are lined

with grass and leaves.

Food Habits

Black bears are omnivorous, foraging on a wide

variety of plants and animals. Their diet

typically is determined by the seasonal

availability of food. Typical foods include

grasses, berries, nuts, tubers, inner bark,

insects, small mammals, eggs, carrion, and

garbage (Figure 5). Food shortages occur

occasionally in northern bear ranges when

summer and fall mast crops (berries and nuts)

fail. During such years, bears become bolder

and travel more widely in their search for food.

Human encounters with bears are more



frequent during such years, as are complaints of

crop damage and livestock losses.

Figure 5. Black bear feeding on trash. Image provided by Gary R. Goff.

Legal Status

Black bears are protected by laws and

regulations wherever they exist.

Safety

Preventing Bear Attacks. Black and grizzly bears

have great strength and agility and will defend

themselves, their young, and their territories if

they feel threatened. Know the differences

between black and grizzly bears. Knowledge

and alertness can help avoid hazardous

encounters with bears. Animals are

unpredictable and bears can inflict serious

injury. Never feed or approach a bear.

To avoid a bear encounter, stay alert and think

ahead. Always hike in a group and talk or make

noise while hiking. Most bears will leave the

vicinity if they are aware of the presence of

humans. Making noise may not be effective in

dense brush or near rushing water. Be

especially alert when traveling into the wind

because bears may not pick up your scent and

may be unaware of your approach. Stay in the

open and avoid sources of food, such as berry

patches and carcasses. Bears may feel

threatened if surprised. Watch for bear sign

such as fresh tracks, digging, and scats

(droppings). Detour around the area if bears or

fresh sign are observed.

NEVER approach a bear cub. Adult female black

bears are very defensive and may be aggressive,

making threatening gestures (laying ears back,

huffing, chopping jaws, stomping feet) and

possibly making bluff charges. Black bears rarely

attack humans but they have a tolerance range

which, when encroached upon, may trigger an

attack. Keep a distance of at least 100 yards

between you and bears and keep constant

watch. Try to put trees and other large objects

between you and the bear. Clap your hands or

yell to alert bears of your presence.

Bears are omnivores, eating both vegetable and

animal matter; do not encourage them by

leaving food or garbage around camp. When

bears associate food with humans, they often

lose their fear of humans and are attracted to

campsites. Food‐conditioned bears are very

dangerous.

In established campgrounds, keep your

campsite clean, and lock food in bear proof

containers. Do not leave dirty utensils around

the campsite. Do not cook, eat, or store food in

tents. After eating, place garbage in bear‐proof

containers provided by the campground.

In the backcountry, establish camp away from

animal or walking trails and near large, sparsely

branched trees. Choose another area if fresh

bear sign is present. Cache food away from your

tent, preferably suspended from a tree 100

yards downwind. Hang food from a strong



branch at least 15 feet high and 8 feet from the

trunk of the tree. Use bear‐proof or airtight

containers for storing food and other

attractants. Freeze‐dried foods are light‐weight

and relatively odor‐free. Pack out all

noncombustible garbage instead of burying it.

Bears can easily smell and dig up food and

garbage, and the attracted bear may become a

threat to the next group of hikers. Always have

radio communication and emergency

transportation available for remote base or

work camps in case of accidents or medical

emergencies.

Do not take dogs into the backcountry. The

sight or smell of a dog may attract a bear and

provoke an attack. Most dogs are no match for

a bear. When in trouble, the dog may run to the

owner with the bear in pursuit. Trained guard

dogs are an exception and may be useful in

detecting and chasing bears from the

immediate area.

Bear Confrontations. If a bear is seen at a

distance, make a wide detour. Keep upwind if

possible so the bear can pick up human scent

and recognize human presence. Clap your

hands or yell to alert bears of your presence. If

a detour or retreat is not possible, wait until the

bear moves from the path. Always leave an

escape route and never harass a bear.

If a bear is encountered at close range, keep

calm and assess the situation. A bear rearing on

its hind legs is not always aggressive. If it moves

its head from side to side it may only be trying

to pick up scent and focus its weak eyes.

Remain still and speak in low tones. This may

indicate to the animal that there is no threat.

Bears that show the profile of their body and

watch you from the corner of their eye may be

posturing for a possible attack. Assess the

surroundings before taking action. No method

of handling an aggressive bear is guaranteed to

save lives.

Do not run. Most bears can run as fast as a

racehorse, covering 30 to 40 feet per second.

Quick, jerky movements can trigger an attack. If

an aggressive bear is met in a wooded area,

speak softly and back slowly toward a tree.

Climb at least 8 feet up the tree. Most black

bears are agile climbers, so a tree offers limited

safety, but you can defend yourself in a tree

with branches or a boot heel. Adult grizzly bears

do not climb but large ones can reach up to 10

feet.

Occasionally, bears will bluff by charging within

a few yards of a person; sometimes they charge

and veer away at the last second. If you are

charged, attempt to stand your ground. The

bear may perceive you as a greater threat than

it is willing to tackle and may leave the area.

Black bears are less formidable than grizzly

bears, and may be frightened if you act

aggressively toward the animal. Do not play

dead if a black bear is stalking you or appears to

consider you as prey. Use sticks, rocks, frying

pans, or whatever is available to frighten the

animal away. As a last resort, when attacked by

a grizzly bear, passively resist by playing dead.

Drop to the ground face down, lift your legs up

to your chest, and clasp both hands over the

back of your neck. Wearing a pack will shield

your body. Brown bears may inflict only minor

injuries under these circumstances.

Many people who work in or frequent bear

habitat carry weapons for personal protection.

Pepper spray can be effective in repelling



aggressive bears but it does not always succeed.

Select sprays specifically made for repelling

bears. Read the directions carefully and practice

BEFORE entering bear country. After spraying

the bear, be prepared for a second attack.

If firearms are chosen, consider high‐powered

rifles (such as a .458 magnum with a 510‐grain

soft‐point bullet or a .375 magnum with a 300‐

grain soft‐point bullet) or shotguns (12‐gauge

with rifled slugs) are the best choices, followed

by large handguns (.44 magnum or 10 mm).

Always be well trained in firearm use and safety

before attempting to shoot a bear. A wounded

bear is more dangerous than a healthy bear.

Killing a bear that is attacking a human is

justifiable.

Wildlife Diseases

Bears suffer from a variety of internal and

external parasites. The parasites of concern for

humans include the worm responsible for

trichinellosis and the protozoan that causes

toxoplasmosis.

Surveys have revealed that a small percentage

of bears contract tularemia, brucellosis, and

leptospirosis. Relatively few bears have tested

positive for rabies.

Damage Prevention and Control Methods

Damage Identification

Damage caused by black bears is diverse,

ranging from trampling sweet corn fields and

tearing up turf to destroying beehives and

(rarely) killing humans. Black bears are noted

for nuisance problems such as scavenging in

garbage cans, breaking in and demolishing the

interiors of cabins, and raiding campsites and

food caches. Bears become a nuisance when

they forage in garbage dumps or damage bird

feeders.

Black bears are the only animals besides skunks

that molest beehives. Evidence of bear damage

includes broken and scattered combs and hives

with claw and tooth marks. Hair, tracks, scats,

and other sign may be found in the immediate

area. A bear usually will use the same path to

return every night until all of the brood, comb,

and honey are eaten.

Damage to Humans

Black bears occasionally threaten human health

and safety. Dr. Stephen Herrero documented

500 injuries to humans resulting from

encounters with black bears from 1960 to 1980.

Of these, 90% were minor injuries (minor bites,

scratches, and bruises). Only 23 fatalities due to

black bear attacks were recorded from 1900 to

1980. These are remarkably low numbers

considering the geographic overlap of human

and black bear populations. Ninety percent of

all incidents likely were associated with

habituated, food‐conditioned bears.

Damage to Structures

Black bears can damage homes and vehicles in

search of food.

Damage to Animals

Few black bears kill livestock but the behavior,

once developed, usually persists. The severity of

black bear predation makes solving the problem

very important to the individuals who suffer the

losses. If bears are suspected, look for deep

tooth marks (about ½ inch in diameter) on the

neck directly behind the ears. On large animals,

look for large claw marks (½ inch between

individual marks) on the shoulders and sides.



Bear predation must be distinguished from

coyote or dog attacks. Coyotes typically attack

the throat region. Dogs chase their prey, often

slashing the hind legs and mutilating the animal.

Tooth marks on the back of the neck usually are

not found on coyote and dog kills. Claw marks

are less prominent on coyote or dog kills, if they

are present at all.

Different types of livestock behave differently

when attacked by bears. Sheep tend to bunch

up when approached; three or more will often

be killed in a small area. Cattle tend to scatter

when a bear approaches; cattle kills usually

consist of a single animal. Hogs can evade bears

in the open and are killed more often when

confined. Horses rarely are killed by bears, but

they do get clawed on the sides.

After an animal is killed, black bears will

typically open the body cavity and remove the

internal organs. The liver and other vital organs

are eaten first, followed by the hindquarters.

Udders of lactating females also are preferred.

When a bear makes a kill, it usually returns to

the site at dusk. Bears prefer to feed alone. If an

animal is killed in the open, the bear may drag it

into the woods or brush and cover the remains

with leaves, grass, soil, and forest debris. The

bear will periodically return to this cache site to

feed on the decomposing carcass.

Damage to Gardens and Landscapes

Field crops such as corn and oats occasionally

are damaged by hungry black bears. Large,

localized areas of broken, smashed stalks show

where bears have fed in cornfields. Bears eat

the entire cob, whereas raccoons strip the ears

from the stalks and chew the kernels from the

ears. Black bears prefer corn in the milk stage.

Bears can cause extensive damage to trees,

especially in second‐growth forests, by feeding

on the inner bark or by clawing off the bark to

leave territorial markings. Black bears damage

orchards by breaking down trees and branches

in their attempts to reach fruit. They often will

return to an orchard nightly once feeding starts.

Due to the perennial nature of orchard damage,

losses may be economically significant.

Integrated Pest Management

Timing

Bears can be problematic any time they are not

hibernating. Harvest time, however, is a

particularly difficult time as bears are gaining

weight for winter.

Economics of Damage and Control

Black bear damage to the honey industry is a

large concern. In 1976, damage to apiaries in

the Peace River area of Alberta was estimated

at $757,330 (2010 dollars). Damage incidents in

Yosemite National Park were estimated to be as

high as $113,197 in 1975, with $96,594

resulting from damage to vehicles in which food

was stored. In 1998, 1,584 bear incidents were

reported, costing more than $650,000 in

damage. Thirty percent of all trees over 6 inches

tall were reported to be damaged by black

bears on a 3,360 acre parcel in Washington

State. In 1987 in Wisconsin, 1 female black bear

and her cubs caused an estimated $66,272 in

damage to apple trees during a 2‐day period in

(2010 dollars). In general, black bears can inflict

significant economic damage in localized areas.

Some states pay for damage caused by black

bears. In western states, losses caused by black

bears usually are less than 10% of total

predation losses, although records are not



complete. The extent of claims paid are not high

but usually are greater than the license income

that state wildlife agencies receive from black

bear hunters.

Habitat Modification

Prevention is the best way to control black bear

damage. Sanitation and proper garbage

management are keys to successful damage

management. Store food, organic wastes, and

other bear attractants in bear‐proof containers.

Use garbage cans for nonfood items only and

place food waste in bear proof garbage

receptacles. Implement regular garbage pickup

and practice incineration. Surround dumpster

sites at camp grounds with electric fencing.

Reduce access to landfills through fencing, and

bury refuse daily. Eliminate garbage dumps.

Only feed birds during the winter months while

bears are denning. In the north, bears are active

from April through November.

Place livestock pens and beehives at least 50

yards away from wooded areas and protective

cover. Surround them with electric fencing.

Confine livestock in buildings and pens,

especially during lambing or calving seasons.

Remove carcasses from the site and dispose of

them by rendering or deep burial.

Plant crops (corn, oats, fruit) away from areas

of protective cover. Pick and remove all fruit

from orchard trees. Remove protective cover

from a radius of 50 yards around occupied

buildings and residences. Locate campgrounds,

campsites, and hiking trails in areas that are not

frequented by bears to minimize human/bear

encounters. Avoid seasonal feeding and

denning areas and frequently used game trails.

Where possible, clear hiking trails to provide a

minimum viewing distance of 50 yards down

the trail.

Black bears are strong enough to tear open

doors, rip holes in siding, and break glass

windows to gain access to food stored inside

cabins, tents, and other structures. Use solid

frame construction, 3/4‐inch plywood sheeting,

and strong, tight‐fitting shutters and doors.

Steel plating is more impervious than wood.

Bear‐proof containers (Figure 6) are available

for campers in a variety of sizes. They can be

used to safely store food and other bear

attractants during backpacking trips or other

outdoor excursions. In the absence of bear‐

proof containers, store food in airtight

containers and suspend them by rope between

two tall trees that are at least 100 yards

downwind of your campsite.

Figure 6. Bear‐proof trash can. Photo by Stephen M. Vantassel.



Place one or two beehives (Figure 7) on a flat or

low‐sloping garage roof. Add extra roof braces;

two hives full of honey can weigh 800 pounds

or more. An innovative technique for

beekeepers is to place hives on a fenced (three‐

strand electric) flatbed trailer (8 x 40 feet ).

Though expensive, this method makes hives less

vulnerable to bear damage and makes moving

them very easy.

Figure 7. Hive damaged by a bear. Photo supplied by Paul D. Curtis.

Exclusion

Fencing has proven effective in deterring bears

from landfills, apiaries, cabins, and other high‐

value properties. Fencing, however, is a

relatively expensive abatement measure.

Consider the extent, duration, and expense of

damage when developing a prevention

program.

Numerous fence designs have been used with

varying degrees of success. Electric fence

chargers increase effectiveness. Depending on

the amount of bear pressure, use an electric

polytape portable fence (Figure 8), or a welded‐

wire permanent fence (Figure 9). One person

can easily and quickly install this fence. It is

economical and dependable for low to

moderate bear pressures. The fence consists of

four strands of electric polytape that are

attached to posts with insulators. Materials

requried for this fence include:

One 200‐yard roll of polytape

12 4‐foot fence rods (5/16‐inch diameter)

48 insulators or clips

Four gate handles

One 12‐volt fence charger

One 12‐volt deep cycle battery

Herbicides

To install: Drive in four corner posts 1 foot deep

and attach a guy wire. Clip vegetation in a 15‐

inch‐wide strip under the fence and apply

herbicide. Attach insulators on the inside of

corner posts and stretch the electroplastic wire

from the four posts at intervals of 6, 16, 26, and

36 inches from ground level. Hand‐tighten the

polytape and join the ends with four square

knots. Drive in the remaining posts at 12‐foot

intervals, attach insulators (on the outside of

line posts), and insert polytape.

Figure 8. Electric polytape portable fence. Image by PCWD.



Figure 9. Woven‐wire permanent fence. Image by PCWD.

The following fence, best used under high bear

pressure, is the most durable and expensive

barrier. It can be installed by two people in 8

hours. The fence consists of heavy, 5‐foot

woven wire, supported by wooden posts, ringed

by two additional electrified wires. Materials

required for this fence include:

One 50‐yard roll of 6‐inch square mesh, 5‐foot

woven wire

One 150‐yard roll of high‐tensile (14‐gauge)

smooth wire

24 8‐foot treated wooden posts

40 Porcelain strain‐insulators (screw‐in types)

One 2‐pound box of 1½‐inch fence staples

6 gate handles

One 12‐volt fence charger

One 12‐volt deep cycle battery

Herbicides

To install: Set posts 6 to 12 feet apart in 2‐foot‐

deep holes. Align four corner posts at 5o angles

from the vertical. Brace corner and gate posts

from the inside with posts set at 45o angles. Clip

a 15‐inch‐wide strip clear of vegetation under

the fence and apply herbicide. Place one length

of welded wire vertically into position and

staple the end to a corner post. Pull the entire

length of wire taut with a vehicle and staple the

welded wire to the line posts. Continue until all

sides, except the gate opening, are fenced.

Fasten 2 strands of high‐tensile wire to

insulators positioned 5 inches away from the

welded wire, at intervals of 6 and 56 inches

above ground level.

For a 12‐foot gate opening, attach 3 strands of

high‐tensile wire to insulators on the gateposts.

Space the wires at intervals of 6, 36, and 56

inches above ground level. Connect them to the

two strands previously strung around the fence.

These wires will be connected to the positive

fence charger terminal. Attach three more wires

to gatepost insulators at intervals of 20, 48, and

64 inches above ground level. These three wires

will be connected together and to the ground

rod. Fit insulated gate handles to the free ends

of all six gate wires.

Fence Energizing System and Maintenance. To

energize the fences, use a 110‐volt outlet or 12‐

volt deep cell (marine) battery connected to a

high‐output fence charger. Place the fence

charger and battery in a case or empty beehive

to protect them against weather and theft.

Drive a ground rod 5 to 7 feet into the ground,

preferably into moist soil. Connect the ground

terminal of the charger to the ground rod with a

wire and ground clamp. Connect the positive

fence terminal to the fence with a short piece of

fence wire. Use connectors to ensure good

contact. Electric fences must deliver an

effective shock to repel bears. Bears can be

lured into licking or sniffing the wire by

attaching attractants (salmon or tuna tins and

bacon rinds) to the fence. Grounding may be

increased, especially in dry, sandy soil, by laying

grounded chicken wire around the outside

perimeter of the electric fence.



Check the fence voltage each week at a distance

from the fence charger; it should yield at least

3,000 volts. To protect against voltage loss,

keep the battery and fence charger dry and

their connections free of corrosion. Make

certain all connections are secure and check for

faulty insulators (arcing between wire and

post). Clip vegetation beneath the fence. Each

month, check the fence tension and replace

baits with new salmon tins and bacon rinds.

Always recharge the batteries during the day so

that the fence is energized at night.

Frightening Devices

Black bears can be frightened from an area

(such as buildings, livestock corrals, orchards)

by the extended use of night lights, strobe

lights, loud music, pyrotechnics, exploder

canons, scarecrows, Critter Gitters (motion and

heat activated audio‐visual frightening device),

and trained guard dogs. The position of such

frightening devices should be changed

frequently. Over a period of time, animals

usually become habituated to scare devices and

human activity, too. At this point, scare devices

are ineffective and human safety becomes a

concern.

Black bears are occasionally encountered in the

backcountry on trails or at campsites. They can

usually be frightened away by shouting,

clapping hands, throwing objects, clanging pots

and pans, and by chasing.

Aversive conditioning utilizes unpleasant

experiences to “punish” and educate bears to

stop certain behaviors such as visiting landfills

or getting too close to urban areas. Tactics

include the use of cracker shells, 12‐gauge

plastic slugs, gel filled paint balls, bean bags, or

38‐mm rubber bullets. Aim for the large muscle

mass in the hind quarters. Avoid the neck and

front shoulders to minimize the risk of hitting

and damaging an eye. Firearm safety training is

recommended.

Determine the motivation of offending bears.

Habituated, food‐conditioned bears can be very

dangerous. Aggressive behavior toward a black

bear should not be carried so far as to threaten

the bear and elicit an attack.

Repellents

Capsaicin or concentrated red pepper spray has

been tested and used effectively on black bears.

The spray range on most products is less than

30 feet , so capsaicin is only effective in close

encounters. Capsaicin spray may become more

popular where use of firearms is limited.

Toxicants

No toxicants are registered for bear control.

Fumigants

No fumigants are registered for bear control.

Shooting

Black bears are a game animal in Alabama with

no open season. Contact your local Wildlife and

Freshwater Fisheries office to report a nuisance

bear. Shooting is effective, but often a last

resort in dealing with a problem black bear.

Permits are required in Alabama as well as most

other states and provinces to shoot bears out of

season. To increase the probability of removing

the problem bear, shooting should be done at

the site where damage has occurred. Baiting

bears is illegal in many states and should only

be used to remove nuisance bears. Permits are

required for baiting bears in most states. Bears

are most easily attracted to bait from dusk to



dark. Place bait in the damaged area where

there are safe shooting conditions and clear

visibility. Use large, well‐anchored carcass baits

or heavy containers filled with rancid meat

scraps, fat drippings, and rotten fruit or

vegetables. Establish a stand roughly 100 yards

downwind from the bait and wait for the bear

to appear. Strive for a quick kill, using a rifle of

.30 caliber or larger. The animal must be

relinquished to wildlife authorities in most

states and provinces.

Hunting Dogs. Some states allow the use of

dogs to hunt bears. Guides and professional

hunters with bear dogs can be called for help.

Place the dogs on the track of the problem

bear. Often the dogs will be able to track and

tree the bear, allowing it to be killed and thus

solving the bear problem.

Trapping

Cage

Culvert and Barrel Traps. Trapping black bears

in culvert or barrel traps is highly effective and

convenient (Figure 10). Set one or two culvert

traps in the area where the bear is causing a

problem. Post warning signs on and in the

vicinity of the trap. Use bait to lure the bear

into the trap. Successful bait includes decaying

fish, beaver carcasses, livestock offal, fruit,

candy, molasses, and honey. When the trap

door falls, the bear is safely held without a need

for dangerous handling or transfer. Bears can be

immobilized, released at another site, or

destroyed if necessary.

Figure 10. Culvert trap for bears. Photo provided by Paul D. Curtis.

Cable Restraints

Cable Restraints. A variety of cable restraints

are available for capturing bears. The Aldrich‐

type cable restraint (Figure 11) is used

extensively by USDA‐APHIS‐Wildlife Services

and state wildlife agency personnel to catch

problem bears. This method is safe when used

correctly and allows for the release of nontarget

animals. Bears captured in this manner can be

tranquilized, released, translocated, or

destroyed. Use baits as described previously to

attract bears.



Figure 11. Aldrich cable restraint for black bears. Image by PCWD.

The tools required for the pipe set include an

Aldrich cable restraint complete with the spring

throw arm, a 9‐inch long, 5‐inch diameter piece

of stove pipe, iron pin, hammer, and shovel. Cut

a 1‐inch slot, 6½ inches long, down one side of

the pipe. Place the pipe in a hole dug 9 inches

into the ground. Cut a groove in the ground to

accommodate the spring throw arm so that the

pan will extend through the slot into the center

of the pipe. The top of the pipe should be level

with the ground surface. Anchor the pipe

securely to the ground, where possible, by

attaching it to spikes or a stake driven into the

ground inside the can. Bears will try to pull the

pipe out of the ground if it gives. The spring

throw arm should be placed with the pan

extending into the pipe slot 6 inches down from

the top of the pipe. Pack soil around the pipe 1

inch from the top. Leave the pipe slot open and

the spring uncovered. Loop the cable around

the pipe, leaving ½ inch of slack. Place the cable

over the hood on the spring throw arm, then

spike the cable to the ground in back of the

throw arm. The cable is spiked to keep it flush

to the ground so that it will not unkink or spring

up prematurely. Cover the cable loop with soil

to the top of the pipe. Anchor the cable

securely to a tree at least 8 inches in diameter.

Cover the spring throw arm and pipe slot with

grass and leaves.

Place some boughs and brush around the set to

direct the bear into the pipe. The slot in the

pipe and the spring throw arm should be at the

back of the set. The bear can approach the set

from either side or the front. Melt bacon into

the bottom of the pipe and drop a small piece

in. The bacon should not lie on the pan. Other

bait or scent, such as a fish‐scented rag, may be

used. Place a 15 to 20‐pound rock over the top

of the pipe. Melt bacon grease on the top of it

or rub it on. The rock will serve to prevent

humans, birds, nontarget wild animals, and

livestock from being caught in the snare.

A bear will approach the set and proceed to lick

the grease off the rock. It will roll the rock from

the top of the pipe and try to reach the bait

with its mouth. When this fails, it will use a

front foot, which will then be caught in the

snare. The bear will try to reach the bait first

with its mouth and may spring the set if the pan

is not placed the required 6 inches below the

top of the pipe.

The MB15 Bear Foot Snare offers another

option for foot‐snaring bears (Figure 12).



Figure 12. M15 Bear Foot Snare. Photo by Wildlife Control Supplies, LLC.

Other Methods

Chemical capture of bears is effective in

removing bears without killing them. The drugs

are highly restricted and their use requires a

team of people experienced and capable of

monitoring and moving tranquilized bears.

Disposition

Relocation

Relocation is discouraged unless the situation

involves a rescue.

Translocation

Translocation of problem bears has a mixed

record of success. Trapped bears that are

released should first be transported at least 50

miles, preferably across a substantial

geographic barrier such as a large river, swamp,

or mountain range, and released in a remote

area. Some bears have returned from as far as

120 miles from their release sites. Occasionally,

food‐conditioned bears will be repeat

offenders. A problem bear should be released

only once. If it causes subsequent problems it

should be destroyed. Translocation is often

combined with aversive conditioning. Bears

transported and released from culvert traps are

shot with rubber buckshot and gel scram

paintballs.

Euthanasia

Bears can be euthanized by shooting or lethal

injection.

Disclaimer

Implementation of wildlife damage

management involves risks. Readers are advised

to implement the safety information provided

in the first volume of the National Wildlife

Control Training Program. Some control

methods mentioned in this document may not

be legal in your location. Wildlife control

providers must consult relevant authorities

before instituting any wildlife control action.

Resources and Acknowledgments

Web Resources

ICWDM.org

http://www.mass.gov/dfwele/dfw/wildlife/fact

s/mammals/bear/black_bear_home.htm

http://www.tpwd.state.tx.us/publications/pwd

pubs/media/pwd_bk_w7000_0013_louisiana_b

lack_bear.pdf

Range map adapted from NatureServe,

September, 2007.

For Additional Information

Blair, G. 1981. Predator caller’s companion.

Winchester Press, Tulsa, Oklahoma. 267 pp.



Boddicker, M. L., ed. 1980. Managing Rocky

Mountain furbearers. Colorado Trapper’s

Assoc., LaPorte, Colorado. 176 pp.

Bromley, M., ed. 1989. Bear‐people conflicts:

proceedings of a symposium on management

strategies. Northwest Terr. Dep. Renew. Resour.

Yellowknife. 246 pp.

Burt, W. H., and R. P. Grossenheider. 1976. A

field guide to the mammals, 3d ed. Houghton

Mifflin Co., Boston. 289 pp.

Davenport, L. B., Jr. 1953. Agriculture

depredation by the black bear in Virginia. J.

Wildl. Manage. 17:331‐340.

Deems, E. F., and D. Pursley, eds. 1983. North

American furbearers: a contemporary

reference. Int. Assoc. Fish Wildl. Agencies and

Maryland Dep. Nat. Resour. Annapolis,

Maryland. 223 pp.

Graf, L. H., P. L. Clarkson, and J. A. Nagy. 1992.

Safety in bear country: a reference manual, rev.

ed. Northwest Terr. Dep. Renew. Resour.

Yellowknife. 135 pp.

Herrero, S. 1985. Bear attacks: their causes and

avoidance. New Century Publ. Piscataway, New

Jersey. 288 pp.

Hygnstrom, S. E., and S. R. Craven. 1986. Bear

damage and nuisance problems in Wisconsin.

Univ. Wisconsin Ext. Publ. G3000. Madison,

Wisconsin. 6 pp.

Hygnstrom, S. E., and T. M. Hauge. 1989. A

review of problem black bear management in

Wisconsin. Pages 163‐168 in M. Bromley, ed.

Bear‐people conflicts: proceedings of a

symposium on management strategies.

Northwest Terr. Dep. Renew. Resour.

Yellowknife. Jonkel, C. J., and I. McT. Cowan.

1971. The black bear in the spruce‐fir forest.

Wildl. Monogr. 27. 57 pp.

Jope, K. L. 1985. Implications of grizzly bear

habituation to hikers. Wildl. Soc. Bull. 13:32‐37.

Kolenosky, G. B., and S. M. Strathearn. 1987.

Black bear. Pages 442‐454 in M. Novak, J. A.

Baker, M. E. Obbard, and B. Malloch, eds. Wild

furbearer management and conservation in

North America. Ontario Ministry of Nat. Resour.

Toronto.

Madison, J.S. 2008. Yosemite National Park: the

continuous evolution of human‐black bear

conflict management. Human‐Wildlife Conflicts

2:160‐167.

McArthur, K. L. 1981. Factors contributing to

effectiveness of black bear transplants. J. Wildl.

Manage. 45:102‐110.

Meechan, W. R., and J. F. Thilenius. 1983. Safety

in bear country: protective measures and bullet

performance at short range. Gen. Tech. Rep.

PNW‐152. US Dep. Agric., For. Serv. Portland,

Oregon. 16 pp.

Robinson, S.A., J.A. Parkhurst, and J.E. Cardoza.

2003. Co‐existing with Black Bears in

Massachusetts: Guidelines for the Preveniton

and Management of Bear Damage. University of

Massachusetts Cooperative Extension System,

Amherst, MA. 15pp.

Rogers, L. L. 1984. Reactions of free‐ranging

black bears to capsaicin spray repellent. Wildl.

Soc. Bull. 12:58‐61.



Rogers, L. L., D. W. Kuehn, A. W. Erickson, E. M.

Harger, L. J. Verme, and J. J. Ozoga. 1976.

Characteristics and management of black bears

that feed in garbage dumps, camp grounds or

residential areas. Int. Conf. Bear Res. Manage.

3:169‐175.

Schwartz, C. W., and E. R. Schwartz. 1981. The

wild mammals of Missouri, rev. ed. Univ.

Missouri Press, Columbia. 356 pp. Singer, D. J.

1952. American black bear. Pages 97‐102 in J.

Walker McSpadden, ed. Animals of the world.

Garden City Books, Garden City, New York.

Van Wormer, J. 1966. The world of the black

bear. J. B. Lippincott Co., Philadelphia. 168 pp.

Key Words

Black bear, grizzly, nwco, wildlife damage

management, bear attack

Extension Wildlife Damage Specialist

School of Natural Resources

US Fish and Wildlife Service

University of Wyoming

Laramie, Wyoming 82071

Acknowledgments

Much of the text was adapted from the chapter

Black Bears by M. Boddicker from the 1986

revision of Prevention and Control of Wildlife

Damage.

Editors

Scott E. Hygnstrom, Robert M. Timm, Gary E.

Larson

PREVENTION AND CONTROL OF WILDLIFE

DAMAGE — 1994

University of Nebraska –Lincoln‐Extension

U.S. Department of Agriculture‐Animal and

Plant Health Inspection Service‐Wildlife Services

black bears - | outdoor alabama · tracks and signs bear tracks are recognized easily by their...

Documents